Commanders' Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen: Top 10 DTs?
The interior of the defensive line has been one of the Washington Commanders' biggest strengths in recent years.
That position has been anchored by Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. The two former first-round picks have lived up to the billing, forming one of the most formidable duos in the NFL.
Their play led to each of them being ranked in the top 10 players at defensive tackle by ESPN. Washington was the only team to have two players at the position in the top 10.
Payne was ranked No. 7 on the list. He set career-highs will 11.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, 64 tackles and five passes defended in 2022.
ESPN also credited Payne with 21.5 disrupted dropbacks, which combines sacks, interceptions and passes defended. He was ranked second among defensive tackles, only trailing Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones, who had 23.
Payne's play helped lead to a four-year $90 million contract with the Commanders this offseason.
"I always thought since I studied him that he has the most talent out of all of those linemen [on the Commanders]," an NFC exec told ESPN. "He has a great combination of talent and football intelligence. And he matured and came into his own last year."
Along with the NFC exec, an AFC scout said Payne "has everything," and that he is "probably a bit underrated at this point."
Allen's play has led to him making back-to-back Pro Bowls. He had 7.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 65 tackles, two forced fumbles and three passes defended last season.
Allen has also been on ESPN's top 10 list in back-to-back years.
"Low-key elite," an AFC executive told ESPN. "Powerful, can take over a game in both phases. Super impactful and honestly makes life for Payne easy."
Payne and Allen have played a key role in the Commanders' defense. Washington was seventh in points allowed in 2022, allowing an average of 20.2 per game.
If Washington's defense is going to continue to play at a high level, they'll need Payne and Allen to lead the way. If their play in 2022 is any indication, the tandem may continue to be one of the best in football.
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